The U.S. delegation walked out of a UN Security Council meeting during a speech by France’s ambassador, protesting remarks that likened Washington’s voting on human rights to authoritarian governments.
The dispute began when the U.S. joined North Korea and Russia to vote against extending Volker Turk’s term as UN high commissioner for human rights. The vote passed with 144 members in favour, 10 against and 13 abstentions.
Following the vote, France declared that the U.S. had lost its role as a beacon of human rights. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz accused France of supporting dictators and misleading democratic nations.
Turk has publicly criticised Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s conduct in Gaza, amplifying the tension.
The walkout occurred during an emergency council meeting on the Ukraine conflict as France took the floor.
U.S. senior official Dan Negrea said Washington would keep taking such stances until France withdrew its "condescending and disrespectful rhetoric".
The clash over Turk’s second term highlights a larger rift, as Washington slashes funding and pulls out of UN entities.
U.S. Ambassador Jeff Bartos warned of "consequences" for the assembly that allowed procedural overreach, with Washington ready to reassess its engagement.
French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont insisted on Turk’s impartiality and vision of a conscience.
Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq declined to comment, urging all states to respect the commission.
